Dramma giocoso in two acts
Libretto by Jacopo Ferretti
First performed January 25th 1817, Teatro della Valle, Rome
Sung in Italian with German surtitles

About the Piece

The story unfolds like a dream on silken threads. Charles Perrault's free adaptation of the fairy tale, first performed only a yea ...

The story unfolds like a dream on silken threads. Charles Perrault's free adaptation of the fairy tale, first performed only a year after the world premiere of Il barbiere di Siviglia, replaces the evil stepmother with an ambitious but simple father, the good fairy with Alidoro, a magician and Prince Ramiro's teacher, and the shoe lost at midnight with a bracelet. Rossini's and Ferretti's La Cenerentola is based on various versions of the Cinderella story. Keith Warner's production was praised by press and public when it first opened: his interpretation conveys Rossini's humour and dramaturgical profundity at the highest possible level.

Don Magnifico's daughters, Clorinda and Tisbe, treat their step-sister, Angelina (La Cenerentola), like dirt. Ramiro, a young Prince, is looking for a wife. His teacher, the magician Alidoro, wants to help him. Alidoro, in disguise, is treated rudely by the hard-hearted sisters. Angelina greets him warmly. Courtiers deliver an invitation to a ball. The Prince, disguised as his valet Dandini, calls at the house. He and Angelina are immediately drawn to each other. Dandini, disguised as Ramiro, is amused to watch Magnifico and his daughters grovel. Angelina begs her father to allow her to go to the ball, but he refuses. Alidoro sees from his register that Magnifico has three daughters and asks where the third one is. Magnifico says that she died. When the others have left, Alidoro gives Angelina a gown and matching bracelets.... The courtiers make fun of Magnifico. Clorinda and Tisbe try to attract the Prince’s attention. A veiled, mysterious Beauty enters. Her resemblance to Angelina astonishes her family. The supposed Prince tries to woo the woman but she tells him that she loves his valet. Ramiro, eavesdropping, proposes to her immediately. Alidoro intervenes: Ramiro should see Angelina in her true guise. Angelina gives Ramiro one of her bracelets, and leaves. The Prince and valet resume their true identities. Alidoro conjures up a thunderstorm. The Prince seeks refuge in Magnifico's house. Ramiro recognizes the bracelet on Angelina’s wrist and proposes again. Angelina forgives her father and step-sisters.